Two Tunnels Shared Path

A new shared path for Bath and North East Somerset

Midford - Wellow. It's occasionally closed (check the dates below) but when it's open, you'll find that the Midford to Wellow route has a much better surface than it used to have (and trimmed sides) so you've more chance to look up and enjoy the views over the valley and even the sight of the roman road from Bath to Poole, climbing away above the current road from Midford to Hinton Charterhouse.

From the Two Tunnels route, how to find this? Along to Midford and then ... straight on!

The Two Tunnels route is a Sustrans shared-use path: follow the code of conduct: the route may be unfamiliar to you - everyone has a duty of care towards other users of the route.

This shared-use path re-uses what was the most characterful part of one of the UK's most famous railways - burrowing beneath Combe Down - the high ground south of the city. This is a dramatic and accessible route leading south from the city - and available for you to use on foot, cycle, wheelchair.

The campaign for this was started by us - a community group local to the route.

The route is well-surfaced - an accessible path, giving space for anything from a short walk with friends, to a 13 mile largely traffic free 'Bath Half Marathon' circular route out to Dundas Aqueduct, and then back via the canal towpath.

This is a destination for touring cyclists worldwide: if you're a visitor to Bath and feel like seeing more than the city centre, the Two Tunnels route is well worth an explore.

'My great grandfather, Thomas Andrew Walker, built the Bath to Evercreech line in 1872-4, including the two tunnels. We are delighted with the use to which you are putting this long-forgotten railway.'

Here's a map from the council showing the proposed route to cross the Lower Bristol Road near the Herman Miller building.

The building of the Two Tunnels route is organised by Sustrans, working in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council. This web site is the work of the community group who originated the project and who campaign for the route. The route has widespread support among the local community - and from further afield.

Sign up and join over 600 supporters - at our 'Yahoogroup' mailing list.

Forgotten assets can find new uses

The Kennet and Avon Canal through Bath was once derelict and unused. It's now a very popular destination and the activities that it generates support local businesses and jobs.

The Two Tunnels project has turned the most distinctive section of the Somerset and Dorset Railway from a linear liability into an asset. Old railway structures need maintenance - or demolition. This campaign has sourced the funding to maintain them.

If you like the idea of the Two Tunnels route, you'll be pleased to know that it's now largely built - but there's still time to join our mailing list and add your voice to our supporters.

Look at it this way

If this line had been opened fifty years earlier, we'd value it as part of
Georgian Bath.

Instead, its structures are 'Blue-brick patchwork Victorian'.
Unglamorous, the line carried millions of people to holidays on the
south coast, carried the beer from Burton to Dorset, carried the coal
that gave Bath the grimy black and silver appearance that many people
will recall from the days before its buildings were cleaned.

It's as much a part of Bath's history as Pulteney Bridge, and as a national rail
link, it was the stuff of legend. Many people are really pleased its structures now have a more secure future.

Here's some of the concerns we've heard along the way - and a section by section description of the route.

Midford to Wellow Closure Dates

South of the Two Tunnels route, NCN 24 between Midford and Wellow is a permissive path and is occasionally closed. At these times, use the signposted diversion, which involves quiet lanes and a severe climb. As soon as we have them, we'll list here the closure dates for late 2015-2016.

Support

Join our support group mailing list, it's free, and though the Two Tunnels route is in the build phase, you'll still help, just by signing up.